Now You Know with Howard Sapp

Florida Redistricting, Midterms, and Christian Nationalism

Howard Sapp and co-host Dr. Cindy Banyai discuss Florida politics and national issues, focusing on midterm election stakes and Republican-driven redistricting efforts aimed at protecting House and Senate control. They compare Texas and Virginia’s approaches, note Virginia voters backed a map favoring Democrats before a Trump-appointed judge overturned it, and explain the case is now headed to the Supreme Court. They warn Florida may follow with a DeSantis-backed map that could reduce Democrats to three seats, taking away five, as a special session begins next week amid pressure from Trump. The conversation also addresses Trump’s online behavior, including an AI image portraying himself as Jesus and a conflict with the Pope, tying these events to concerns about Christian nationalism, separation of church and state, and demands for stronger Democratic leadership and action.
00:00 Welcome and Setup
01:07 Florida Politics Focus
02:04 Midterms and Redistricting
03:57 Gerrymandering Hypocrisy
05:50 Principles Versus Power
07:25 From Protests to Action
10:01 Democracy on the Line
12:25 Trump and Christian Nationalism
13:58 Faith Response to AI Jesus
18:13 Pope Clash and Doctrine
18:51 Vance vs the Pope
19:57 Internet Expert Syndrome
21:51 Church State Separation
24:50 Faith in Public Service
25:34 Abortion Choice and Counsel
27:55 Politics Behind Pro Life
30:25 Integrity as a Candidate
32:54 Virginia Florida Redistricting
34:51 Campaign and Network Sign Off

What you need to know about voting and the SAVE Act

Howard Sapp and co-host Dr. Cindy Banyai record discuss unusual cold weather in Florida and a “snowicane” in the Northeast. They cover the impact of the cold snap on wildlife in Southwest Florida, including 25–30 manatees found dead near Manatee Park after warm-water output from a nearby processing plant shut off, and explain how invasive iguanas become paralyzed in cold weather and were removed in large numbers. The conversation turns to environmental concerns such as blue-green algae in the Caloosahatchee River linked to nutrient runoff, its effects on seagrass and manatees, potential neurological impacts, and broader economic and health harms tied to algal blooms and red tide. They also connect winter heating demand with a 15–20% FPL rate increase and argue political influence helped secure higher utility rates. The episode’s main focus is voting access: they discuss the federal SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), which has passed the House, and argue it would add citizenship-documentation barriers despite existing eligibility checks, potentially affecting an estimated 21 million Americans without ready access to required documents. They highlight impacts on women whose names changed through marriage (citing 61 million), elderly voters, low-income voters, and people born in the Jim Crow South without standard birth certificates. They discuss Florida’s HB 991 as a state-level companion bill, describing provisions including re-registration requirements and the use of provisional ballots that may not be counted unless a race is close. They urge viewers to contact state and federal representatives (including Byron Donalds, Rick Scott, and Ashley Moody), oppose the SAVE Act and HB 991.
 
00:00 Welcome and Setup
01:00 Cold Weather Check In
02:39 Manatee Cold Stress
03:48 Invasive Iguanas
06:29 Iguana Breakfast Story
07:53 Algal Blooms and Runoff
10:08 Holding Polluters Accountable
13:26 Energy Bills and FPL Rates
16:17 SAVE Act Voting Rules
18:33 Voter Fraud Claims Challenged
19:23 Who Gets Targeted
21:14 Existing Checks and New Costs
22:49 Women and Name Change Barriers
29:02 Florida HB 991 and Provisional Votes
31:07 Replacement Theory and Real Data
33:50 Call to Action and Down Ballot Voting
39:41 Campaign Plugs and Final Takeaway

The 2026 Kickoff: Politics, Sports, and the State of America

Join Howard Sapp and Dr. Cindy Banyai in their first episode of 'Now You Know' for 2026. They dive into a range of topics including the excitement of 2026 as an election year, their personal holiday experiences, and a heated discussion about the state of American politics. The conversation moves from sharing New Year's experiences and sports events like college football to in-depth analysis of various political issues. Topics include the Trump administration's policies, the impact of executive orders, global warming, and economic disparities. Howard and Cindy also emphasize the importance of making informed decisions in this crucial election year, and they appeal for support for Howard's congressional campaign. Closing remarks highlight the need for better media coverage in Florida and encourage listeners to subscribe and support their media efforts.
00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings
01:14 Holiday Recap and Family Time
02:29 Sports Talk: College Football and Beyond
04:59 Political Commentary: Election Year and Current Events
05:53 Venezuela and Oil Politics
08:28 Constitutional Concerns and Executive Overreach
10:58 Congressional Inaction and Corruption
13:37 Trump's Promises and Executive Orders
17:30 Gas Prices and Oil Company Tactics
19:11 Manipulative Pricing Tactics
19:33 Climate Change and the Paris Agreement
21:16 Pardons and January 6th Convictions
23:50 Government Shutdowns and Blame Game
26:23 Healthcare Costs and Subsidies
31:41 Economic Inequality and Wealth Distribution
34:47 Campaign Support and Final Thoughts

Holiday Reflections and Political Insights

In this episode of 'Now You Know with Howard Sapp,' Howard and Dr. Cindy Banyai share their Thanksgiving plans and gratitude reflections, touching on family, sports, and the lighter hurricane season. They offer a critical discussion on current political issues, including healthcare, education, Donald Trump, immigration, Congress, and the Ukraine-Russia conflict. They also highlight Howard Sapp's 2026 Congressional campaign strategy and emphasize the importance of staying informed. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation!
00:00 Welcome and Thanksgiving Traditions
01:15 Gratitude and Reflections
03:33 Political Commentary: Trump and Healthcare
06:43 Healthcare System Challenges
15:10 Education System Concerns
26:28 Campaign and Future Plans
28:31 Holiday Wishes and Closing Remarks

Stories Republicans Tell Themselves

In this episode of Now You Know with Howard Sapp, Howard and his co-host, Dr. Cindy Banyai, discuss the current government shutdown, elaborating on the political divide between Democrats and Republicans, the impact on federal employees, and the broader implications for healthcare and insurance premiums. They emphasize the importance of voting and participation in upcoming elections. Additionally, they discuss the recent mayoral election in New York City and the broader political narratives pushed by figures like Byron Donalds and Ron DeSantis. Towards the end, they focus on the importance of community involvement, campaigning strategies, the significance of elections, and how listeners can support independent journalism through Big Mouth Media.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:30 Fall Weather in Southwest Florida
01:31 Personal Updates and Holiday Plans
04:05 Government Shutdown Overview
05:00 Impact on Healthcare and ACA
07:19 Effects on Government Employees
11:48 Travel Disruptions and Economic Ripple Effects
15:09 SNAP Cuts and Government Apathy
17:23 Importance of Voting and Political Engagement
20:12 Florida's Political Climate and Migration Myths
21:10 Debunking Political Narratives
26:01 Byron Donalds and Black Voters
29:26 Upcoming Elections and Democratic Candidates
33:12 Campaign Strategies and Voter Mobilization
36:43 Conclusion and Call to Action

Trump Shutdown

Join Dr. Cindy Banyai and Reverend Howard Sapp in the latest season of 'Now You Know' as they catch up on personal and national developments. Reverend Sapp shares his excitement over becoming ordained, his campaign for Congress in Florida's District 19, and their recent campaign kickoff event in Lee County. The conversation delves into the complexities of the government shutdown, healthcare negotiations, and the state of the nation under President Trump. They discuss the importance of accountability, integrity, and unity in government, alongside tackling misinformation and the significance of voting. Tune in for a deep dive into current political challenges and community updates, including local event highlights and insights into ensuring a better future for all.
 
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:33 Personal Updates from Howard Sap
02:50 Campaign Kickoff and Community Support
03:37 Current State of the Nation
07:01 Government Shutdown Explained
13:29 Healthcare Debate and Political Tensions
20:12 Congressional Budget Failures
20:51 Budget Crisis and Congressional Inaction
22:02 Government Shutdown and Congressional Accountability
23:16 Running for Office: Integrity and Accountability
24:27 Government's Role and Public Perception
25:43 Freedom of Speech and Political Manipulation
29:29 Authoritarianism and Executive Overreach
38:02 Healthcare and Immigration Misconceptions
42:21 Final Thoughts and Campaign Appeal

Florida's Key Ballot Amendments - Now You Know with Howard Sapp

Join Howard Sapp and Dr. Cindy Banyai in this informative episode of Now You Know, where they cover essential topics for Florida voters. Stay informed as they dissect the upcoming ballot amendments for the 2026 elections, including partisan school boards, the right to hunt and fish, adult marijuana use, and abortion laws. The hosts provide a clear understanding of these amendments, their implications for education, wildlife management, healthcare, and personal freedoms. Additionally, they highlight the importance of community support in hurricane relief efforts, featuring a benefit concert with Trey Taylor. Don't miss out on the detailed analysis, voter guidance, and ways you can contribute to making informed decisions and supporting hurricane-impacted communities.
 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:20 Hurricane Relief Efforts
07:53 Election Information and Voter Encouragement
08:50 Understanding Florida's Amendments
09:36 Amendment 1: Partisan School Board Elections
15:04 Amendment 2: Right to Hunt and Fish
20:16 Amendment 3: Adult Personal Use of Marijuana
22:45 Licensing and Legalities of Selling Alcohol and Marijuana
23:33 Conservative and Republican Views on Marijuana Legalization
24:33 Federal and State Issues with Marijuana Legalization
25:30 Policing and Legal Loopholes in Marijuana Laws
26:55 Amendment 3: Legalizing Recreational Marijuana
28:10 Amendment 4: Abortion Rights and Misconceptions
37:10 Amendment 5: Homestead Exemptions and Economic Impact
39:55 Amendment 6: Public Campaign Financing
41:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

Navigating the election season - Now You Know with Howard Sapp

Hosts Howard Sapp and Dr. Cindy Banyai dive into discussions about the ongoing political season, local happenings, and community involvement. The podcast covers the excitement around Halloween and the activities at Calusa Nature Center, as well as the impact of Florida's recent hurricanes on local communities. They emphasize the importance of supporting those affected through initiatives like 'Save Our Democracy' and mention insurance challenges in Florida linked to climate change. The conversation further underlines the importance of local elections and the impact of money in politics, encouraging listeners to be informed voters. They also highlight the significance of down-ballot candidates and the importance of registering to vote. Tune in for insights on local governance, community support, and participating in the electoral process.
 
https://www.save-our-democracy.com/home
 
https://www.lee.vote/ 
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:02 Halloween Festivities and Family Fun
04:37 Community Support and Hurricane Relief
10:20 Insurance Challenges in Florida
16:21 Political Influence and Local Elections
29:42 Voting Information and Encouragement
34:38 Conclusion and Contact Information

Tyreek Hill and the state of Florida - Now You Know with Howard Sapp

Join Howard Sapp and Dr. Cindy Banyai on 'Now You Know' as they discuss a wide range of pressing topics on Monday, September 9th, 2024. The episode kicks off with reflections on the recent football games, focusing on the latest controversial incident involving Tyreek Hill and racial disparities in law enforcement. The hosts then pivot to discuss the ongoing issue of gun violence in schools, highlighted by a recent tragic event in Atlanta, and the importance of common-sense legislation. The conversation also delves into environmental concerns, particularly a controversial Florida bill allowing the use of radioactive phosphogypsum in road construction. The episode wraps up with an invitation to join upcoming debate watch events and emphasizes the importance of informed voting and open dialogue.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:51 Football Season Kickoff
01:12 Tyreek Hill Incident Discussion
04:01 Gun Violence and School Safety
11:18 Environmental Concerns and Legislation
19:18 Debate Preview and Invitation
30:12 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Navigating the Political Landscape: Election Insights and Awareness - Now You Know with Howard Sapp

 Join Howard Sapp and Dr. Cindy Banyai as they discuss the political landscape leading up to the elections in Southwest Florida. In this episode, they share insights on the importance of doing thorough research on candidates and issues, address misinformation and foreign interference, and discuss the significance of personal choices in political matters like women's rights and abortion. They also provide updates on local and national events, emphasizing the need for voter awareness and participation. Get prepared and make informed decisions for the upcoming elections.
 
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:43 Summer Recap and Personal Stories
02:27 Democratic National Convention Highlights
04:24 Misinformation and Russian Interference
09:15 Evaluating Political Candidates
19:35 Abortion Rights and Local Politics
34:59 Call to Action and Conclusion